Churches Fast for Calif. Revival, Marriage Amendment

Hundreds of churches across the nation on Wednesday kicked off a 40-day fast to rally support for the California marriage amendment and to ask God to send revival to a fallen state that is poised to lead the nation in a moral rebellion.

The fast initiative, known as Facedown 40, is being spearheaded by TheCall, a prayer movement of Christian youth that started during the 2004 elections. Participants of the fast and prayer campaign will forgo solid food for 40 days, from Sept. 24 to Nov. 2, leading up to the elections.

Lou Engle, founder of TheCall, will be leading the 40-day fast from San Diego where he will be visiting churches and asking them to join in support for the amendment that would ban same-sex "marriage." California voters head to the polls on Nov. 4

The fast will culminate in a massive prayer rally, TheCall California, on Nov. 1, when a crowd of 100,000 Christian youth is expected to petition God for a spiritual awakening from the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

“Call forth thousands now, those who have found their place in the Rock, and out of that place are committed to war in the spirit for a great awakening in California, our universities, among our children, and in the cultural power centers of our nation,” prayed Engle on Wednesday at the launch of Facedown40.

On Thursday, the “Yes on 8” campaign also held a live Protect Marriage webcast rally for hundreds of pastors and church leaders to mobilize congregations in support of the measure.

Meanwhile, other fasts and campaigns were launched this week in efforts to protect conservative values.

On the East coast, Matt Lockett with Bound4Life will be leading a 40-day fast in Washington, DC, with a focus on the presidential election and righteous judges on the Supreme Court.

A pro-life fast initiative also launched Wednesday in 179 cities across America. The campaign, 40 Days for Life, consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting, round-the-clock peaceful vigil outside an abortion facility or Planned Parenthood center, and grassroots educational outreach.

"The nation is beginning to undergo a spiritual conversion that will ultimately turn our society away from abortion,” said David Bereit, national campaign director of 40 Days for Life.

“That spiritual change will then be reflected in the political realm, as elected officials will recognize the will of the people and respond accordingly to protect the life of every human – born and pre-born."